Blend Ability
01.
Blend Ability is an award-winning documentary short film created in partnership with Not Your Average Joe, an Oklahoma City–based nonprofit coffee shop that provides meaningful, customer-facing employment to people of all abilities. The film explores disability inclusion through the real stories of employees working at the shop, highlighting what is possible when opportunity, dignity, and community intersect.
The premise of Blend Ability was simple but intentional: to move beyond statistics and misconceptions surrounding disability employment and instead center the voices and lived experiences of the people doing the work. Through a documentary storytelling approach, the film invites viewers to see inclusion not as a limitation, but as a powerful strength that benefits individuals, organizations, and the broader community.
Organizational Impact and Fundraising Outcomes
Since its release, Blend Ability has become a cornerstone storytelling asset for Not Your Average Joe, supporting both fundraising efforts and long-term organizational growth. The documentary has been used strategically to communicate the organization’s mission, values, and impact to donors, partners, and supporters.
Not Your Average Joe has benefited from the film in the following ways:
Used as a fundraising and donor engagement tool, contributing to a significant monetary impact for the organization
Helped articulate the organization’s mission in a clear and emotionally compelling way for sponsors and partners
Strengthened credibility with donors, board members, and institutional supporters through third-party recognition
Served as a centerpiece for community screenings and events across Oklahoma
Created evergreen content that continues to support development and outreach efforts
For nonprofits, this demonstrates how a documentary film can become a long-term asset rather than a one-time campaign.
Community Engagement and Statewide Screenings
Blend Ability has been screened at multiple community events throughout Oklahoma, bringing together nonprofit leaders, educators, business owners, families, and advocates. These screenings created opportunities for open dialogue around disability inclusion, employment, and the role nonprofits play in creating access and opportunity.
By using the documentary as a conversation starter, Not Your Average Joe was able to deepen community relationships and engage audiences in a meaningful way. For mission-driven organizations, this approach shows how documentary storytelling can foster connection while advancing awareness and understanding.
International Film Festivals and Global Reach
The documentary’s acceptance and recognition at national and international film festivals significantly expanded its reach beyond the local community. Screening Blend Ability in different cities and countries elevated the conversation around disability inclusion and reinforced the universal relevance of the story.
For nonprofits, international film festival recognition provides an added layer of credibility. It signals that the organization’s mission resonates beyond its immediate geography and has relevance on a global scale. Festival exposure also extends the lifespan of a documentary, creating ongoing opportunities for visibility, partnerships, and impact.
Awards and Recognitions
Blend Ability has received widespread recognition for its storytelling excellence and social impact, including:
Audience Choice Award, Art of Documentary
Filmmaker Award, Art of Documentary
Pam Henry Award for Excellence in Media
Governor’s Office Award for Excellence in Media
Official Selection at multiple national and international film festivals
Recognition in documentary and social impact film categories
These honors validate not only the craft behind the film, but also its effectiveness as a tool for nonprofit fundraising, advocacy, and awareness building.
Why This Matters for Nonprofits
Blend Ability illustrates how documentary filmmaking can help nonprofits communicate their mission with clarity, credibility, and emotional resonance. When created strategically, a documentary film can support fundraising, engage communities, strengthen trust with stakeholders, and amplify an organization’s impact well beyond traditional outreach methods.
For nonprofits considering documentary work, Blend Ability serves as a proven example of how intentional storytelling can drive real results while honoring the people and communities at the heart of the mission.
